Iran said it cannot reopen the Strait of Hormuz due to ceasefire violations by the United States and Israel. Senior leader Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said reopening is “not possible” amid a US naval blockade and Israeli actions.   President Masoud Pezeshkian said Iran is open to talks but cited “breach of commitments” as a barrier. The US has extended the ceasefire, with Donald Trump backing the blockade. Iran also seized two ships, saying they violated rules. The US said the seizures did not break the ceasefire. (PC: BBC)

The Trinamool Congress has accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of trying to influence West Bengal polls by arranging trains for voters. TMC MP Derek O'Brien wrote to the Election Commission of India, alleging “violation of election laws”. He claimed trains were used to bring voters from Surat to Bengal. “The Indian Railways… cannot be deployed… for partisan electoral purposes,” his letter said. He also raised concerns over “misuse of official position”. The BJP has not responded to the claims. Bengal votes in two phases on April 23 and 29. (PC: HT)

Voting began in 152 seats of West Bengal in phase one, with a direct fight between the TMC and BJP. Around 3.6 crore voters are eligible in this phase. The BJP ran a campaign on nationalism and corruption claims. The TMC focused on welfare schemes and Bengali identity. It also questioned voter roll changes, saying deletions affected lakhs. Women voters remain key, with both sides promising cash support.   In Tamil Nadu, all 234 seats are voting in one phase. The DMK, AIADMK-BJP alliance, and Vijay’s TVK are in a three-way contest. The DMK highlighted governance, while TVK targeted young voters. (PC: India Today)

A group of Indian tourists faced allegations of stealing hotel property at Asvara Resort Ubud in Bali after staff noticed missing items during checkout. Resort employees halted their departure and searched luggage, recovering items including towels, robes, utensils, a hair dryer and a remote box. A viral video of the incident triggered strong online reactions, with many criticising the behaviour while others cautioned against generalising. Authorities confirmed the tourists had stayed from April 16 to 19, and the matter was resolved without legal action after items were identified. The episode has reignited debate about tourist conduct and reputational impact abroad.

A fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran has shifted conflict into a “war of blockades” in the Strait of Hormuz, where both sides intercept commercial vessels, raising risks of escalation. Pakistan is pushing for talks in Islamabad, but delegations have yet to arrive, dimming diplomatic momentum. Donald Trump insists a deal is near, while Tehran cites US “contradictions” and past attacks as reasons for hesitation. Internal uncertainty within Iran’s leadership may further complicate negotiations, leaving mediation efforts stalled amid rising maritime tensions. (PC: BBC)

An India-bound vessel was among two ships seized by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in the Strait of Hormuz, escalating tensions despite a ceasefire extension. Three container ships including Epaminondas, MSC Francesca and Euphoria were targeted, with Epaminondas, headed to India, sustaining heavy bridge damage after gunfire. Iran accused the vessels of violating maritime rules and tampering with navigation systems. The seizures came amid ongoing friction with the United States, which has been enforcing a naval blockade. The incident underscores rising risks to global shipping and uncertainty surrounding stalled US-Iran peace talks. (PC: NDTV)

On the first anniversary of the Pahalgam terror attack, Sergio Gor affirmed that the United States stands with India in combating terrorism, honouring the 26 victims killed by Pakistan-backed terrorists in Pahalgam. Indian leaders including Narendra Modi, Droupadi Murmu, and Rahul Gandhi paid tributes, reiterating a zero-tolerance stance. The attack triggered Operation Sindoor and a brief India-Pakistan conflict. A memorial now stands at the site, symbolising national resolve, unity, and commitment to defeating terrorism.

United Nations experts have raised alarm over widespread forced religious conversions through marriage affecting minority girls in Pakistan. In 2025, about 75% of victims were Hindu and 25% Christian, with nearly 80% of cases reported in Sindh. Most victims were aged 14–18, though younger cases were also noted. Experts cited impunity, weak law enforcement, and dismissal of complaints as key concerns. They urged raising the legal marriage age to 18 nationwide, criminalising forced conversions, and strengthening victim support systems, warning that coercion, abuse, and discrimination continue to endanger vulnerable girls. (PC: News18)

Donald Trump signalled that fresh talks between the United States and Iran could resume within 36 to 72 hours, potentially as early as Friday, amid ongoing ceasefire conditions. The renewed diplomatic push is being facilitated by Pakistan through backchannel mediation, with Islamabad emerging as a possible venue. However, Tehran has not confirmed participation, maintaining ambiguity over its next move. The development follows Trump’s recent ceasefire extension aimed at giving Iran time to present a unified proposal, highlighting a fragile yet active diplomatic window. (PC: India Today)

An RTI reply by the Manipur government said 58,881 people were displaced in violence since May 2023. The clashes involved Meitei and Kuki-Zo groups. The data was shared in response to a query by Congress leader Hareshwar Goshwami. The state said 7,894 houses were fully destroyed and 2,646 were partly damaged. It reported 217 deaths based on ex gratia payments. Officials said 174 relief camps are running and funds have been released for support. The Manipur Information Commission has asked for complete data within 15 days. (PC: India Today)